Can't update firmware on HP Laserjet 4201

[RickKC285]

Trying to fix paper/tray errors by first updating firmware. Tried on the printer but it asks for a username/password and my hp website login credentials don't work. Is there some other username/password to set somewhere? Tried to download firmware file from HP site. File downloads, endless circle icon on HP website. Go to HP Smart to install firmware. It says there is a PIN number on my serial number label to copy and input in HP Smart. There is no PIN # on the label. 1. how to sign in to printer? 2. how to find pin? 3. Any other ways to update firmware?

[RickKC285]

Change to "Tried on the printer but it asks for a username/password and..."

[Raj_05]

Hi @RickKC285,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

Here's how to address the challenges you're facing with updating the firmware on your HP LaserJet 4201.

How to Sign In to the Printer (Username/Password)

The printer might be asking for the Embedded Web Server (EWS) credentials or administrator login rather than your HP website credentials. By default, some HP printers have a generic username and password.

• Default Credentials:
  • Username: admin
  • Password: (leave blank or admin)

If those default credentials don’t work, it’s possible that the credentials have been changed. You can try resetting the printer to factory settings, which should revert the credentials to the default.

To Reset the Printer:

1. From the control panel, navigate to Setup.
2. Go to Service and look for a Restore Defaults or Reset to Factory Settings option.
3. After the reset, try logging in with the default credentials.

How to Find the PIN

For updating via HP Smart, some HP printers include a PIN that’s printed on the serial number label. If your printer’s label doesn’t include a PIN, you can try the following:

• Check any paperwork or documents that came with the printer.
• If there is no PIN available, HP Smart might not be able to proceed without it in this case. You can try an alternate method to update the firmware (see below).

Other Ways to Update Firmware

Option 1: Update via USB Flash Drive

If accessing the printer directly and using HP Smart isn’t possible, you can manually update the firmware by using a USB flash drive:

Download the Firmware:

• Go to HP's official website and download the latest firmware for the LaserJet 4201 (ensure the file has the .bdl extension).

Prepare the Flash Drive:

• Format a USB flash drive to FAT32.
• Copy the .bdl file to the root directory of the flash drive (not inside any folders).

[Raj_05]

Install Firmware:

• Turn off the printer.
• Insert the flash drive into the USB port on the printer.
• Power on the printer. It should detect the firmware on the flash drive and start the update process.

Option 2: Update via Embedded Web Server (EWS)

If you can access the printer’s IP address:

1. Open a web browser and enter the printer’s IP address to access the Embedded Web Server (EWS).
2. Look for the Firmware Update section, typically under System or Maintenance.
3. Upload the firmware file downloaded from the HP website.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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Alden4

HP Support